Breakfast is often called frokost and may include bread, cheese, cold cuts, spreads, yoghurt or cereal. Many people prepare food at home and take it with them. A matpakke is a packed meal, commonly made with slices of bread and toppings. It is often eaten at school, at work or during outdoor activities. Middag means the main meal of the day and is often eaten earlier than in some other countries. Common meals include fish, meat, potatoes, vegetables, soups and simple pasta dishes. Norway has strong traditions around seafood, including salmon, cod, herring and fish products. Local food also includes dairy foods, berries, grains and game in some regions. Some familiar Norwegian foods have distinctive names, such as brunost, lefse, grøt and vafler. Food traditions vary between families, regions and seasons. Restaurants range from cafés and bakeries to international kitchens and fine dining. Tap water is generally a normal choice, and dietary needs should be explained clearly when ordering.
Food in Norway
Food in Norway combines simple everyday meals, bread-based lunches, seafood, potatoes, dairy products and seasonal ingredients. A matpakke and an early middag are familiar parts of daily food life in Norway.
Tip
Build your first routine around a simple breakfast, a prepared matpakke and a planned middag. Try local foods gradually, because names and flavours may be unfamiliar but the everyday system is easy to adapt to.